Yet the association has announced that the British comedian will be back for a third year as master of ceremonies of the most important film awards show next to the Oscars.

After Gervais this year fired barbs in the direction of Charlie Sheen, Bruce Willis and Johnny Depp among others, he made clear he did not expect to be invited back. Asked what he would do if he were called upon to host the Globes for a third time, he replied: "I'll go fucking mental."

In a statement, the awards body said: "While many welcome Gervais's return, not everyone is happy with the decision because [last time] his blunt one-liners targeting big-name celebrities caused anger and resentment in some quarters."

The statement added that Gervais "gradually warmed to the idea" and last month met the new HFPA president, Aida ­Takla O'Reilly, in Paris to discuss it.

It is thought Gervais received enthusiastic backing from NBC, the US network which screens the Golden Globes ceremony. Viewing figures jumped to 17 million when the comedian took on the ­hosting duties in 2010, and were up another 5% this year.

While the joint stint of James Franco and Anne Hathaway as hosts of the Oscars was poorly reviewed, most critics judged Gervais's efforts a success.

"This is a very clever decision," Gabriel Lerman, an HFPA member, told the LA Times. "Gervais was very funny and we were very enthusiastic to bring him back." He said Gervais had maybe "crossed the line a few times" last time, but added: "This is a night to have a good time."

Gervais's barbs at the 2011 prize-giving ceremony included: "Also not nominated, I Love You Phillip Morris, with Ewan McGregor and Jim Carrey, two heterosexual actors pretending to be gay – the complete opposite of some famous scientologists then." And: "Welcome to a night of partying and heavy drinking. Or, as Charlie Sheen calls it, breakfast." And the line: "You know our next presenter from such films as Hudson Hawk, Mercury Rising, Fifth Element. Please welcome Ashton Kutcher's dad, Bruce Willis!"